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Who you got? Here's one fool's selections

Another season, another chance to make a fool out of myself. Here we go:

Ole Miss 27, Vanderbilt 26 — Ole Miss is favored by 3, which is remarkable when you think about it. If that scores sounds familiar, that’s what Vandy beat Ole Miss by last season en route to winning its last seven games, the longest current SEC winning streak. The Commodores have won five of their last six against Ole Miss. But the Rebels are favored for a reason. On paper, at least, they have the better talent. Can’t tell you how important this game is for Ole Miss. Win, and the Rebels will be 2-0 going into a killer stretch against Texas, Alabama, Auburn and LSU. Got to get every one you can and this is one they can. But it’s anything but a given.

Oklahoma State 31, Mississippi State 24 — This is a game the SEC urged the Bulldogs to play, and I assure you it is not the way Dan Mullen would prefer to open the season no matter what he might say. Oklahoma State is really, really good, and I don’t particularly like the matchup of the Cowboys’ fast-paced offense against State’s defense.

Southern Miss 24, Texas State 20 — I know, I know, I said I would never pick USM to win again until the Golden Eagles did. But this is a new coach and a new season, and I do like the way Todd Monken has handled just about everything prior to playing a football game. It’s no gimmee. Dennis Franchione can coach and he has some players. A shaky vote for USM at home. Not sure why USM is a 8.5 point favorite.

Tulane 30, Jackson State 10 — A Thursday nighter in the Superdome, and the Green Wave has suspended several players for the opener. Would absolutely love to see JSU to pull the upset, but Tulane should win at home, despite the suspensions.

Alcorn 42, Edward Waters 14 — No, the Braves aren’t playing a single person. Edward Waters is a college in Jacksonville, Fla., that plays in the Florida Sun Conference. Next Saturday, Alcorn plays at Mississippi State, a rather significant step up in competition.

South Carolina 31, North Carolina 24 — Two visor guys, Spurrier and Fedora, go head to head but Spurrier has more players including one Superman.